Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM - in Fireman's Field behind the Firehouse.

Sponsored by: Revere Gas & Appliance and Rappahannock River Oysters, LLC

Since Urbanna is the home of The Virginia "official" Oyster Festival, it is only appropriate that some of the best oyster shuckers in the world practice their trade here.

The first Virginia Oyster Shucking Contest was held in Urbanna on Saturday, November 1982. The 1982 winner in the women's division was Pamela Page (Women's National Champion) with a time of 7:05. The 1982 men's champion was George Hodges with a time of 7:52. The 1983 women's champion was Mrs. Sara Hammond with a time of 6:57 and the 1983 Men's Champion was Sheppard Hammond whose time was 8:20. Sara Hammond of Church View went on to compete in Galway, Ireland in 1983 and placed third in the world! The Urbanna Oyster Shucking Contest has become an annual event in the Historic Port Town Urbanna, and the winner is declared State Champion and advances to compete in the National Oyster Shucking Contest in St. Mary's, Maryland. The National Champion then travels to Galway, Ireland to participate in the World Championship. Our own Deborah Pratt has made several trips to Galway, Ireland to defend her championship. Although the emphasis is on speed, other factors on which the contestants are judged include the amount of shell fragments, clean separation of the oyster from the shell and damage to the meat of the oyster. Come out on Saturday November 3rd to meet our National Shucking Winner – Deborah Pratt, and try your hand at shucking oysters. We thank our Sponsors: Revere Gas & Appliance and Rappahannock River Oysters.

Oyster Shucker's: Sign Up at the Firehouse Stage Saturday morning.

Professionals: separate Divisions for men and women and Amateur Divisions.